Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has reported a strong first quarter, with revenues rising to €102.8 million – up nearly 16% from the same period last year. The growth was driven mainly by the company’s flagship events, new acquisitions and expansion into international markets.
The company’s profit before tax rose to €32.1 million, but net profit fell slightly to €21.5 million due to a higher tax rate this year (33%, up from 19.7% in 2024). This increase in tax costs offset part of the operating gains.
IEG’s core business, organising trade fairs, was the main driver of growth, contributing nearly €75 million in revenue. Successful events like SIGEP and Vicenzaoro performed well, and new shows such as “Riyadh Muscle” in Saudi Arabia added to the momentum. The conference segment also saw a sharp rise, with revenue almost doubling due to more and longer corporate events.
The company also grew through acquisitions. It bought 51% of Immaginazione S.r.l., which provides design and staging for events, and acquired a majority stake in DG Eventos in Brazil, which runs the Fenagra agribusiness fair.
Like Easyfairs, Informa and many more exhibition organisers, IEG show how acquisitions, if done right, can be extremely financially effective. When speaking to us earlier in year on Easyfairs’ financial success, Paul Woodward, exhibition organiser advisor, commented: :“Acquisitions allow for an immediate increase in revenue when it would normally take 3-5 years for progress to show.”
Despite higher labour and operating costs, IEG improved its operating performance. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to €33.3 million, and EBITDA reached €38.2 million. However, profit margins were slightly lower than last year due to a less favourable mix of sales and higher overhead costs.
The company’s financial position remains stable, with modest improvement in cash reserves and continued investment in venues and services.
Looking ahead, IEG confirmed its full-year targets, expecting revenues between €253 and €258 million, and operating profits of up to €67 million. The company also announced a dividend of €0.20 per share, approved by shareholders in April.
IEG says it will continue focusing on international expansion and building out its services to support future growth.
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